THE PENGUIN. 211 



BO quickly that it might easily have been taken for a 

 quadruped. 



The legs are set as far back as possible, so that 

 when the bird is at rest, it must stand quite erect, as 

 shown in the illustration. 



The legs are very short, very powerful, and the 

 feet are broad and webbed, so that when they are put 

 to their proper use, they propel the bird with won- 

 derful velocity. This very structure, however, renders 

 the movements of the bird extremely awkward when it 

 is on shore. The feet have to be crossed over each 

 other at every step, and are brought down with a 

 peculiar slapping noise. This sound, by the way, is 

 produced in perfection by the common cormorant. 

 Several of these birds have been domesticated, and 

 their loud, slapping footsteps were very audible as 

 they went about the house. The albatross also, when 

 trying to walk upon the ship's deck, does just the 

 same thing. We see a somewhat similar mode of 

 progress, though not carried out to such an extent, in 

 the ducks, geese, and swans. 



This attitude, and the peculiar shuffling waddle, 

 are utilized by the bird in a very singular manner. 

 Being unable, from its peculiar form, to sit on its eggs 

 in the manner adapted by most birds, it holds the 

 egg firmly between its legs. Then, if disturbed, it 

 shuffles off, carrying the egg with it ; and keeping it 

 in its place by the pressure of the short, stiff tail 

 feathers, which are partly bent under it. When 

 hatched, the young is fed by both parents, who are 

 so persevering in their task, that they become quite 

 thin, while the little Penguin grows rapidly into a 



